OPPapers.com

Wwi: Art Propaganda

WW1: Art Propaganda

German 1:
As Jesus stood on the hill, he pointed the German soldiers off to battle. With a cross behind him the Lord stood with his hand up blessing the troops as the go off. With the statement "God punish England", underneath the picture the Germans felt safe with God on their side. The sky is dark and cloudy but over Jesus' head is a ring of light. As the ride into this darkness they take with them the blessing of Jesus.
This poster is directed to religious Germans who were off to battle and their families. One of the two principle religions in German at the time was Roman Catholicism. So for them to see Jesus looking over the soldiers they felt more at peace with the war. It could be seen as Jesus asking the Germans to fight against England to protect the land and the people of Germany. Feeling a religious responsibility the Germans went off to battle England.
The ring of light over Jesus head stands out in the dark sky. I fee that this can be seen as a "ray of hope". Also the cross behind Jesus enforces the religious beliefs of the church. Even thought he is not nailed to the cross it is positioned so that at first glance if you are a Roman Catholic you remember the struggles Jesus had endured. And lastly because Jesus is on a hill looking over them it portrays the image that he is looking over them and sending them on a mission to punish England. With religion come strong emotions, such as passion, love and dedication. To accuse someone who is spiritual, of going against the advice and word of Jesus or God sparks angry and rage. Feeling the religious responsibility and pressure German soldiers felt it was more than their duty to their county or families. God had chosen them to fight in this battle against England and bring home victory to his kingdom in Germany. This idea instilled pride and obligation in the soldiers as the rode off to battle.
German 2:
As the solider stands with his arm in the air and pride in his eyes,...